1 



ORIGIN 

r 

/ OF THE 

BISMARCK POLICY; , 

THE HOHENZOLLEEN DOCTEINE AND MAXIMS 

DESCRIBED AND DEFINED 
BY THE MOST EMINENT MONARCH OF THE PRUSSIAN DYNASTY, 

FREDERIC THE GREAT: 

; 

HIS OPINIONS ON RELIGION, JUSTICE, MORALS, POLITICS, 

DIPLOMACY, STATESMANSHIP, THE GERMAN 

PEOPLE, &c., &c. 



/ 

-.,0^ 



WRITTEN BY HIMSELF EXPRESSLY FOR THE USE OF 
HIS SUCCESSOR TO THE THRONE. 



^ Carefully Translated from an Authentic Copy of the Original MS. 
Bv M. C. L. 

BOSTON: "" 

CROSBY & DAMRELL, 100 WASHINGTON STREET. 

1870. 



ulJDi-o5 

(S70 



Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1870 

By C. LADREYT, 

In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washingtoi 



BOSTON : 
STEREOTYPED AND PRINTED BY RAND, AVERY, & FKYB. 



REMARKS. 



1. At this time, when Prussia attracts the attention of 
the whole world, this publication of a very curious work of 
Frederic II.* can hardly fail to interest the public. 

2. These pages were written by that king for the instruc- 
tion and guidance of his nephew and successor to the 
throne, and are the opinions which the greatest and 
most celebrated sovereign of the Hohenzollern dynasty 
entertained on Keligion, Justice, Morals, Politics, States- 
manship, the German People, etc., etc. 

3. The Translator and Editor, and the Publishers, wish 
it to be well understood that they do not, of course, hold 
themselves in the least responsible for the sentiments, doc- 

* Frederic II., third king of Prussia, generally called Frederic the 
Q-reat, was born in Berlin, Jan. 24, 1712, and died at the chateau of 
Sans-Souci, Aug. 17, 1786. 

His biographers say that he was very careless about his dress and 
personal appearance ; and that, when he died, he had not a single decent 
shirt, and his valet had to lend him one to be buried in I — TRANSliATOR's 
Note. 

8 



4 REMARKS. 

trines, and principles set forth or professed by the Author 
of this work, but leave all the responsibility to whom it 
belongs. 

4. The translation has been made as literal as possible. 
Therefore, as the style and language used by King Frederic 
in his writings are often inelegant, and sometimes rather 
ambiguous and obscure, the English will likewise be occa- 
sionally found somewhat inelegant, because the translator, 
unwilling to alter the sense of the original, has faithfully 
adhered to the very ideas and phraseology of the author. 

5. A few explanatory, historical, and biographical notes 
have been added by the Translator. 



INSTRUCTIONS 

OF 

FREDERIC 11. OF PRUSSIA 

TO 

HIS SUCCESSOR TO THE CROWN. 



The Orig-in of our House. 

In the times of disorder and confusion, a new 
form of sovereignty sprang from the midst of 
the barbaric nations. The governors of the dif- 
ferent provinces shook off the yoke ; and, having 
soon become sufficiently powerful to intimidate 
their masters, they obtained privileges, or rather, 
by apparent submissiveness and allegiance, they 
attained their desired ends. 



6 INSTRUCTIOKS OF 

Several of these bold reformers laid the foun- 
dations of the strongest and greatest monar- 
chies ; and perhaps, even, Jit we take every 
thing into consideration, all the reigning emper- 
ors, kings, and princes owe their thrones and 
dominions to them. 

In fact, that has surely been the case with us. 
You blush at that, my dear nephew ! Well, you 
are excusable ; but take care not to be so child- 
ish henceforth, and always bear in mind, that, 
with regard to kingdoms, we monarchs take 
what we can, when we can ; and we are never 
in the wrong, except when compelled to give 
up what we. had taken. 

Tavillon,* Count of HohenzoUern, was the 
first among our own ancestors who acquired 
any right of sovereignty in the countries which 
he governed ; the thirteenth of his descendants 
had the title of Burgrave of Nuremberg ; the 
twenty-fifth was the Elector of Brandenburg ; 
and the thirty-seventh, king of Prussia. 

Like all the others, our dynasty has had its 

* Frederic uses the name Tavillon, yet many biographies have Thas- 
silo. — Note of the Translator. 



FREDEEIC II. OF PKUSSIA. 7 

architects, Ciceros, Nestors, and Neros ; its fools 
and idlers ; its learned women, its cruel moth- 
ers, and, very surely, its coquettes and licentious 
women. 

Our house has also often been enlarged by 
those rights which belong only to fortunate or 
all-powerful monarchs ; for there are to be seen 
only those of conveniency, abeyance, and pro- 
tection, in the order of our successions to the 
throne. 

From the time of Tavillon to that of the 
great Elector, our house was hardly able to sup- 
port itself. 

There were fifty princes in the Empire who 
were our equals in every respect ; and, properly 
speaking, we were ourselves only a branch of 
the great empire of Germany. 

William the Great, by his bold and dashing 
exploits, raised us from our obscure condition ; 
and finally, in 1701, — not very long ago, as you 
see, — vanity placed a regal crown on my grand- 
father's head. We can trace the beginning of 
our true grandeur to that very time, since it 
gives me the privilege to argue as a king, and 



8 INSTRUCTIONS OP 

to negotiate on an equal footing with, all the 
powers and governments in the world. 

If we should sum up the virtues of our an- 
cestors, we would easily discover that the ag- 
grandizement of our house is not due to such 
advantages. Most of our royal ancestors proved 
to be very bad characters. 

But chance and ci?jcumstances have greatly 
favored us. I especially wish you to observe 
that our first diadem was placed on a vain and 
frivolous head, belonging to a crooked and dis- 
torted body. I know very well, my dear 
nephew, that I leave you in perfect uncertainty 
and doubt concerning our true origin. They 
pretend that the Count of HohenzoUern be- 
longed to a great and illustrious family ; but, in 
reality, no one assumed fewer titles than he did. 

On the Grcograpliical Situation of my King- 
dom. 

I am not very well favored in that respect ; 
and, to convince yourself of tlie fact, cast your 
eyes on a map, and you will see that the various 
parts of my kingdom are divided in such a man- 



FREDERIC 11. OF PRUSSIA. 9 

ner as not to be able to afford mutual assistance 
to each other. 

No large rivers flow through my provinces : a 
few border them, but hardly any transect them. 

On the Nature of tlie Soil of mj Provinces. 

Fully one-third of my kingdom lies fallow ; and 
another third is composed of forests, rivers, and 
marshes. The part which is cultivated produces 
neither wine, nor olive-trees, nor mulberry-trees : 
fruits and vegetables are raised only by dint of 
care and great labor, and very few of them are 
perfectly good. 

I have only a few counties where rye and 
wheat of some reputation are raised. 

Concerning tlie Customs and Habits of the 
Inhabitants. 

I cannot express any decided opinion on that 
subject, as my kingdom is composed of different 
provinces, — pieced together, so to say. All I 
can affirm as certain is, that, in general, all my 
subjects are brave and sturdy ; not very epicu- 
rean, but great drunkards ; tyrants in their own 



10 INSTRUCTIONS OF 

lands and homes, and slaves in my army ; dull 
and insipid lovers, and brutal husbands; en- 
dowed with a sang f void which, after all, I think, 
is nothing but stupidity. They are well versed 
in jurisprudence, very poor philosophers, miser- 
able orators, and still worse poets. They affect 
a great simplicity in their attire, but think they 
are quite well dressed when they have a small 
purse, a large hat, cuffs a yard long, boots reach- 
ing to their waist, a small cane, a very short coat, 
and a very long waistcoat. 



Note. — A short paragraph on the women is here omitted by the 
translator on account of the impropriety of the language used in it. — 
Translator's note. 



FREDERIC II. OF PRUSSIA. 11 



II. 

On Kelig'iori. 

Religion is absolutely necessary in a State 
government. The discussion of that maxim 
would be very impolitic, and a king is wrong 
when he allows his subjects to carry such dis- 
cussions to excess. But, on the other hand, it is 
unwise for a king to have a religion. 

Mark this well, my dear nephew: there is 
nothing which tyrannizes over the mind and 
heart so much as religion, because it agrees 
neither with our passions, nor with the high polit- 
ical views which a monarch should entertain. 

If a king fears God, or, in better words, future 
punishment^ he becomes bigoted like a monk. 
If a favorable opportunity of taking forcible 
possession of a neighboring province is offered, 
immediately an army of demons seems to him 
ready to defend it : he is weak-minded enough 
to think he is going to commit an injustice, and 



12 INSTRUCTIONS OF 

he proportions the punishment of his crime to 
the extent of his evil designs. 

When he is about to conclude a treaty with 
some foreign power, if he only remembers that 
he is a Christian, all is lost: he will always 
suffer himself to be duped or imposed upon. 

With regard to war, it is a business in which 
the slightest scruple spoils the whole matter. 
In fact, where can an honest man be found will- 
ing to carry on a war, if he had not the right to 
make regulations justifying pillage, incendiarism, 
and carnage ? 

However, I do not mean to say that impiety 
is to be openly displayed; but we must adapt 
our thoughts to our rank and standing in the 
world. 

All the popes who have had common sense 
enough adopted systems of religion consistent 
with their ambitious designs, and it would be 
the height of folly, if a monarch's attention was 
diverted by trifles which are fit only for the 
common people. 

Besides, the most complete indifference for re- 
hgious matters is the best means which a king 



FKEDERIC II. OF PRUSSIA. 13 

can have to preyent his subjects from becoming 
fanatics. 

Believe me, my dear nephew, the Church has 
her little whims and fancies like any one else. 
Strive, therefore, to regard the matter as a true 
philosopher, and you will see that no disputes 
of importance on religion will take place in your 
kingdom ; for factions are formed only because 
of the want of firmness and decision on the part 
of monarchs and their ministers. 

An important remark, worthy of your consid- 
eration, is that your ancestors acted in a most 
sensible manner on this subject : they undertook 
a reform which gave them an air of apostles, 
while at the same time they filled their treasury. 
It is undoubtedly the most rational change 
which ever occurred in this kind of matter. 
But since there is almost nothing left to be 
gained now, and as it would, moreover, be dan- 
gerous to follow in their footsteps, we must 
keep within the bounds of tolerance. 

Remember the following precept well, my 
dear nephew, and always say, as I do, " Li my 
kingdom^ people pray as they wish^ and find their 



14 



INSTRUCTIONS OF 



salvation as they can;'' for, if you seem to 
neglect that maxim ever so little, every thing 
will be lost for you in your kingdom. 

Here is the reason why my kingdom is com- 
posed of different religious sects. The Re- 
formed hold almost all the ofiBces in certain 
provinces, whilst, in others, the Lutherans enjoy 
the same privileges. There are some provinces 
in which the Catholics predominate to such an 
extent that the king can send but one or two 
Protestant commissioners there. As for the 
Jews, they are poor creatures, who generally are 
not so much in the wrong as they are said to be. 
They pay their taxes promptly, and, after all, 
cheat none but foolish people. 

Since our ancestors became Christians in the 
new century to please the emperors, Lutherans 
in the fifteenth to possess themselves of the 
property of the Church, and Reformers in the 
sixteenth to be agreeable to the Dutch, we can 
certainly act differently in order to maintain 
tranquillity and peace in our States. 

My father had an excellent project in view, 
but it proved a failure. He had induced Presi- 



FKEDERIC II. OF PKUSSIA. 15 

dent Laon to write for him a little treatise on 
religion to try to unite the three sects together. 

The president spoke against the pope, called 
St. Joseph an old fool, pulled St. Roch's dog by 
the ears, and St. Anthony's pig by the tail [i.e. 
spoke irreverently of them. — Translator'' s note]. 

He did not believe in St. Susan's chastity, and 
regarded St. Bernard and St. Dominick as cour- 
tiers. He disowned St. Francis de Sales. He 
had no more respect for the eleven thousand 
virgins than for the saints and martyrs of the 
Loyola family. As for the holy mysteries, he 
agreed that no attempts should be made to ex- 
plain them, but that common sense should pre- 
vail in every particular, and that the literal 
meaning of words should not too strictly be 
adhered to. 

With regard to the Lutherans, he used them 
as his fulcrum : he wanted the Catholics to be- 
come somewhat unfaithful to the court of Rome; 
but he also demanded of the Lutherans that 
they should be less subtile in disputes ; and he 
maintained, that, provided some distinctions were 
removed, he was certain all the creeds would 
very nearly come to the same. 



16 INSTRUCTIONS OF 

It was tliouQ^ht President Laon would have 
more trouble in reconciling the.Calvinists, because 
they had greater claims than the Lutherans. 
However, he proposed a good expedient in the 
matter of the great difficulty of having no one 
but God for a confidant when preparing for 
communion. 

He regarded the worship of images as an al 
lurement for the common people, and he thought 
a peasant should have some kind of saint. 

As for the monks, he expelled them as ene- 
mies who require great contributions. 

Regarding the priests, he wanted them to 
marry housekeepers. This created a great sen- 
sation ; for the good ladies pretended they were 
injured, and that it would be a sacrilege to in- 
terfere with the holy mysteries. 

Had this pamphlet been well received, every 
effort would have been made to carry out the 
plan which had been formed. For my part, I 
have not quite given it up. I even hope to 
afford you facility enough to put it through. 

Here is what I am doing for that. I am try- 
ing to induce all writers in my kingdom to spread 



FREDERIC 11. OF PRUSSIA. 17 

through their writings a contempt for all those 
who have been reformers ; and I never miss the 
slightest opportunity of developing the ambi- 
tious views of the court of Rome, and of the 
priests and ministers. I will gradually accus- 
tom my subjects to think as I do, and I will 
make them give up all prejudices ; but, as they 
must have some form of worship, I will find out, 
if I live long enough, some eloquent man who 
will preach a new creed. 

At first, I will feign to be willing to persecute 
him, but I will gradually declare in his favor, 
and will heartily embrace his system. 

This system, if you want me to tell you, is al- 
ready prepared. Voltaire * has composed the 
preamble of it. He proves the necessity of giving 
up all that has hitherto been said about religion, 
because people do not agree on any point. 

* Voltaire (Franqois M. Arouet de) was born at Chatenay, near 
Paris, Feb. 20, 1694; died in Paris, May 30, 1778. Frederic II. opened a 
correspondence wiih him, Aug. 8, 1736; and in July, 1750, Voltaire, at 
the invitation of Frederic, went to Prussia, where he was on the most 
intimate terms with that king, who conferred the highest honors upon 
him. But, having had quarrels, Voltaire left the court of Berlin forever, 
on the 26th of March, 1753. — Translator's note, 
2 



18 INSTRUCTIONS OF 

Voltaire describes each sectarian leader with a 
freedom which resembles plain truth. He has 
hunted up devout men, popes, bishops, priests, 
and ministers, by which a queer gayety is spread 
air over his work, which is written in such a 
concise and flowing style, that it leaves no time 
for reflection ; and, like an orator skilled in the 
most subtle art, he seems in very good earnest 
while proclaiming the most doubtful principles. 
D' Alembert * and Maupertuis f have traced 
the outline of this new religion : they have ar- 

* D' AiiEMBERT (Jean Le Bond J was born in Paris, Nov. 16, 1717; died 
1783. Versed in mathematics and literature, he was one of the most 
celebrated philosophers of his times. He was unanimously received as a 
member of the Berlin Academy in 1746; and Frederic H. offered him the 
presidency of that institution, but D'Alembert declined the honor. 

t Maupertuis (Pierre L. Moreau dej, a French philosopher and 
geometer, and author of several esteemed works, was born at St. Malo, 
July 17, 1698, died at Basle, July 27, 1759. He went to Prussia in May, 
1740, and was very warmly received by the king, whom he accompanied 
in the Silesian campaign. Maupertuis was taken prisoner at the battle 
of Molwitz, but was soon set at liberty by the Austrians, who treated 
him with great respect. In 1744, he returned to Berlin, when he mar- 
ried Mile, de Borck, one of the ladies of that court. Frederic appointed 
him to the presidency of the Berlin Academy, made him a knight of the 
Order of Merit, bestowed upon him an annual pension of 15,000 francs, 
and gave him all the rights of a native citizen of Prussia. — Translator^a 
notes. 



FREDERIC II. OF PRUSSIA. 19 

ranged it with so mucli care and precision that 
one might be tempted to believe that they have 
tried to demonstrate it to each other before 
attempting to demonstrate it to the public. 

Rousseau ^ has been laboring, for the last four 
years, to anticipate every possible objection. I 
expect a great deal of pleasure in mortifying all 
those lordlings and stiff ministers who may dare 
to gainsay us. 

There is already prepared a series of fifty con- 
sequences for each subject of controversy, and 
of at least thirty reflections upon each article of 
the Holy Scriptures. Rousseau is even presently 
engaged in proving that all what is written now- 
a-days is nothing but fables ; that there never 
was a terrestrial Paradise, and that it is degrad- 
ing God to believe that he has made his image a 
perfect dunce, and his most perfect creature a 
true libertine : for, after all, he adds, it is only 
the length of the serpent's tail which can have 

* Rousseau ( Jean Jacques ) . an eloquent French writer and renowned 
philosopher, was born at Geneva, June 28, 1712; died at Ermenonville, 
near Paris, July 2, 1778. His literary career is one of the most brilliant 
and distinguished, and is too well known to need any further notice here. 
— Translator's note. 



20 INSTRUCTIONS OF 

seduced Eve ; and, if such be the case, it would 
prove a frightful disorder in the imagina- 
tion. 

The Marquis d' Argens* and Mesdames de 
Formey have prepared the organization of the 
Council. I am to preside over it, but without 
presuming that the Holy Spirit will give more 
wisdom to me than to the others. 

There will be only one minister from each 
sect, and four deputies from each province, two 
of whom belonging to the nobility, and two to 
the tiers-etat. All the rest of the priests, monks, 
and ministers shall be excluded from the Coun- 
cil, as interested parties in the case ; and, that 
'the Holy Ghost may better seem to preside over 
this assembly, we will agree to make decisions 
only according to common sense. 

'''Marquis D'Argens (Jean B. Boyerjwas born at Aix, June 24, 
1704, and died Jan. 11, 1771. He was the author of numerous philosoph- 
ical and other works. He became acquainted with Frederic II. when the 
latter was only Prince Royal. After the death of Frederic I., D'Argens 
went to Potsdam, where he was heartily welcomed. The king gave him 
the title of Lord Chamberlain, and a pension of 6000 francs, and made 
him Director-General of the Department of 6eZ/es-^e^^res in the Academy. 
— 2'ranslator^s note. 



FREDERIC II. OF PRUSSIA. 21 



III. 

On Justice. 

We owe justice to our subjects as they owe 
us respect, — that is granted ; but it is necessary 
to take care that we are not brought under sub- 
jection by justice itself. 

Let us picture to ourselves, my dear nephew, 
the unfortunate Charles the First being led to 
the scaffold. I am by nature too ambitious to 
be willing that there should exist in my kingdom 
any instituted power which might restrain me. 
It was this very sentiment which solely in- 
duced me to make a new code of laws. I 
know very well that I banished the good god- 
dess ; but I was rather afraid of her sharp eyes, 
because I know how much influence she has 
among the common people, and I also knew that 
skilful princes, while satisfying their ambition, 
can often make themselves adored. 

The majority of my subjects believed I had 



22 INSTRUCTIONS OF 

been moved with compassion on beholding the 
misfortunes which are engendered by chicanery. 
Alas ! I confess it to you, and I almost blush at 
it, far from having had that in view, I regret 
the little advantages which it procured to me ; 
for the taxes established on legal proceedings 
and stamped paper have diminished my income 
by nearly five hundred thousand florins. . 

Do not allow yourself to be dazzled, my dear 
nephew, by the woid justice : it is a word which 
has different relations, and which can be ex- 
plained in different ways. Here is the meaning 
which I attach to it : — 

Justice is the image of God. Who can there- 
fore attain to so high a perfection ? Is not man 
unreasonable when he undertakes the vain pro- 
ject of having full possession of it ? Behold all 
the countries in the world, and examine if justice 
is administered exactly in the same manner in 
two kingdoms. Consider, after that, the differ- 
ent principles which govern men, and see if they 
agree. 

Is it, therefore, surprising that every one 
wishes to be just in his own way ? 



FREDERIC II. OF PRUSSIA. 23 

When I undertook to look into all the courts 
of justice in my kingdom, I found an immense 
army, legions of honest people, often too much 
suspected not to be such. Each court had another 
above itself : I myself had my own ; and I was 
not vexed by that, because it was a custom. 

On examining the progress which justice was 
making in my dominions, I was frightened to 
see, that, one hundred years hence, one-tenth 
part of my subjects would be engaged in the 
administration of justice ; and, on calculating 
that those legions would have to be paid and 
provided for, I shuddered when I saw that the 
tenth part of my State revenues would pass into 
their hands. 

But what gave me the most anxiety was that 
sure and steady way of proceeding which law- 
yers have, that sense of freedom which is insep- 
arable from their principles, and that clever 
manner of preserving their advantages under 
the appearances of the strictest equity and 
justice. 

I pondered over all the energetic, but often 
queer doings of the Parliaments of England and 
of Paris. 



24 INSTRUCTIONS OF 

Although I admired them, I was sometimes 
ashamed for the dignity of the throne. 

It was in the midst of these reflections that I 
decided to undermine the foundations of that 
great power, justice ; and it has only been by 
simplifying it as much as I could, that I have 
brought it down to the point where I wanted it 
to be. 

You may perhaps be surprised, my dear 
nephew, that unarmed people, who never talk 
but with respect of the king's sacred person, 
should be the only ones capable of dictating to 
him. It is precisely for those very reasons that 
it is not difficult for them to clog our power. 
They can never be suspected of using violent 
measures, because they are unarmed; neither 
could they be accused of being disrespectful 
towards us, since they always talk to us with 
the utmost deference and decorum ; and our 
subjects are very soon persuaded by that power- 
ful eloquence which seems to be produced only 
for their happiness and our glory. 

I have reflected a great deal upon the advan- 
tages which a kingdom derives from a body which 



FREDERIC 11. OF PRUSSIA. 25 

represents the whole nation, and is the guardian 
of its laws; I even think that a king is more 
sure of his crown when law gives it to him 
or keeps it for him ; but a monarch must be a 
very worthy man, and well imbued with good 
principles, to allow his actions to be daily scruti- 
nized. 

When he is ambitious, he must not permit it. 
I could never have done any thing, had I been 
under restraint. I might have passed for a just 
monarch, but they would refuse me the title of 
a hero. 



26 INSTEUCTIOKS OF 



lY. 

On Policy. 

As it has been agreed among men that to 
cheat our fellow-creatures is a base and criminal 
act, it has been necessary to find a word which 
might modify the idea ; and the word policy has 
been sanctioned to that end. In all probability, 
this word was selected only for sovereigns, be- 
cause they cannot really be called rogues or 
rascals. 

However that may be, here is what I think of 
policy. I mean, by the word policy^ that we 
must always try to dupe other people : that is 
the means, not of getting the advantage, but of 
remaining on an equal footing ; for be sure that 
all the governments in the world have the same 
end in view. 

This principle being laid down, do not be 
ashamed of making interested alliances from 
which only you yourself can derive the whole 



FREDERIC 11. OF PRUSSIA. 27 

advantage. Do not make the foolish mistake 
of not breaking them when you believe that 
your interests require it; and, above all, up- 
hold the following maxim : " That to despoil 
your neighbors is to deprive them of the means 
of injuring you." 

Policy, properly speaking, establishes and per- 
petuates kingdoms ; and consequently, my dear 
nephew, policj^ should be well comprehended, 
conceived, and understood with regard to great 
interests. To this end, we are going to divide 
it into statesmanship and private policy. 

The former concerns only the higher interests 
of the kingdom ; the latter is for the use of the 
monarch. 



28 INSTRUCTIONS OF 



Y. 

On Private Policy. 

A prince must show only the better side of his 
character : that is to what you must apply your- 
self in good earnest, my dear nephew. When I 
was the Prince Royal, I was a very poor soldier : 
I liked my own comfort and convenience, good 
cheer, and good wine, and I was always head- 
long in love. 

When I became a king, I appeared to be a 
soldier, a philosopher, and a poet. 1 ate coarse 
bread, like my soldiers, drank very little wine in 
the presence of my subjects, and feigned to 
regard women with contempt. 

The following is the course I have adopted in 
all my actions. 



PEEDEKIC II. OF PRUSSIA. 29 



VI. 

About my Travelling*. 

I always walk without any escort ; and, day 
and night, I go on my way without any military 
display. My suite is not numerous, but very 
select; my carriage is quite plain in appearance, 
but it is perfectly easy and commodious, so that 
I sleep in it as comfortably as in my bed, 

I appear to pay very little attention to my 
manner of living: a footman, a cook, and a 
pastry-cook are all the servants I require to wait 
upon me. I order my dinner myself : and that 
is not the worst thing I do, because I know all 
about the country where I am travelling ; and I 
ask for the best game, fish, or meats which it 
affords. 

When I arrive at a place, I appear tired, and 
I show myself to the crowd in a great-coat and 
an uncombed wig. These things are trifles 
which often produce strange impressions. 



30 JNSTEUCTIONS OF 

I give audience to everybody, excepting 
priests, monks, and ministers. As those gentle- 
men are used to speaking from a distance, I 
listen to their speeches from my window, and 
one of my footmen receives them at the door 
and presents my compliments to them. 

In all that I say, I always appear to think of 
nothing but my subjects' happiness. I ask ques- 
tions of noblemen, tradesmen, and workmen, 
and I converse with them on the least topics. 

You must have heard as well as myself, my 
dear nephew, the flattering remarks of those 
good people : remember the man who sg.id I 
must be very kind to give myself so much trou- 
ble after such a long and wearisome war. And 
remember, also, the one who pitied me from the 
bottom of his heart on seeing my threadbare 
overcoat, and the small dishes served up at my 
table. The poor man was not aware that I had 
a nice coat underneath ; and he thought people 
could not live if they had not a whole ham or a 
quarter of veal for dinner. 



FEEDERIC II. OF PRUSSIA. 31 

YII. 

The Reviewing" of my. Troops. 

Before reviewing a regiment, I take care to 
read the names of all the officers and sergeants ; 
and I commit to memory three or four of them, 
with the name of the company to which they 
belong. 

I take care to be strictly informed of the little 
wrongs and abuses committed by the captains, 
and I allow the soldiers to complain to me per- 
sonally. 

The hour appointed for the review arrives. I 
start from my quarters : very soon a crowd sur- 
rounds me, and I do not allow any one to dis- 
perse it. I talk with the man who stands near- 
est to me, and who makes the best answers to 
my questions. 

When I have reached the regiment, I make 
it manoeuvre. I pass through the ranks slowly, 
and talk to every captain : when I am opposite 
those whose names I have remembered, I call 
them out, as well as their lieutenants and ser- 



32 INSTRUCTIONS OF 

geants ; and that gives me the appearance of 
having a good deal of memory and reflection. 

You saw, my dear nephew, the manner in 
which I humbled that major who used to furnish 
the soldiers in his company with shirts much 
too short for them. I managed the affair so well 
that one of the soldiers had the boldness to pull 
his shirt out of his breeches to show everybody 
it was really too short. 

When a regiment manoeuvres badly, I have 
my own way of punishing it. I give orders for 
it to drill two weeks longer, and I do not invite 
any of the officers to dine with me. 

If the regiment manoeuvres very well, 1 allow 
all the captains, and even a few of the lieuten- 
ants, to eat with me. 

By thus passing reviews, I become thorough- 
ly acquainted with my troops ; and, when I find 
an officer who answers all my questions clearly 
and straightforwardly, I put his name on my 
list, so that I may remember him when oppor- 
tunity requires. 

To this day, every one believes that the great 
love I have for my subjects induces me to visit 



rHEDERTC II. OF PRUSSIA. 33 

the different parts of my kingdom as often as I 
can. I let every one remain under that impres- 
sion, although this is not my real motive. The 
fact is, I am obliged to act thus ; and here is the 
reason why. 

My government is a despotic one ; conse- 
quently, he who rules over the kingdom has 
the exclusive charge of it. If I did not travel 
over my States, my governors would take my 
place, and would gradually dispense with the 
principles of obedience, to adopt only those of 
independence. Besides, as my orders cannot 
be otherwise than imperious and peremptory, 
those who represent me would assume the same 
tyrannical tone ; whilst, by occasionally travel- 
ling through my kingdom, I have the means of 
discovering the abuse which they make of the 
power that I have delegated to them, and of re- 
calling to their duty and admonishing those 
who might be tempted to depart from it. Add 
to those reasons that of making my subjects be- 
lieve that I come into their country to listen to 
their complaints, and to relieve them from their 
troubles. 

8 



34 INSTRUCTIONS OF 



YIII. 

On Belles-Lettres. 

I have made great exertions to acquire a lit- 
erary reputation. I have been more fortunate 
than Cardinal Richelieu ; for, thank God, I am 
regarded as an author. But, entre-nous^ wits are - 
a queer kind of people : they are insufferably 
vain. Many a poet would refuse my kingdom 
if he were obliged to give up to me two of his 
finest lines. 

As it is a trade which is incompatible with 
regal occupations, I compose only when I have 
nothing more important to do ; and, that I may 
give myself a little more ease, I have at my 
court a few literati who are intrusted with the 
care of arranging and writing down my ideas. 

You saw with how much distinction I treated 
D'Alembert when he came to Prussia. I always 
had him at table with me, and I did nothing but 
praise him constantly. You appeared surprised 



FKEDERIO II. OF PEtJSSIA. 35 

that I had so much regard for that author. Do 
you not know, then, that this philosopher is 
listened to as an oracle in Paris, and that he 
never speaks but of my talents and virtues, and 
that he maintains everywhere that I have the 
character and disposition of a hero and a great 
king ? 

Moreover, it is very sweet for me to hear my- 
self praised with judgment and distinction ; and, 
to tell you the truth, I am very far from being 
indifferent to praise. 

I know very well that all my actions must 
not have reference to that ; but D'Alembert is 
so polite when he is with me, that he never 
speaks except to say the most agreeable and 
obliging things to me. 

Voltaire had not the same disposition; so I 
dismissed him. I boasted of it in the Academy, 
as a meritorious deed ; but, in reality, I feared 
Voltaire, because I was not sure of always being 
able to treat him as well, and I had an instinc- 
tive feeling that any retrenchment from my 
liberalities would bring upon me thousands of 
sarcasms. 



36 INSTBUCTIONS OF 

Besides, after taking all things into considera- 
tion, and consulting with my Academy, it was 
decided that two distinguished wits can never 
live together harmoniously. 

I forgot to tell you, that, in the midst of my 
greatest misfortunes, I always took care to pay 
my literati their pensions. 

Philosophers consider war as a most abomina- 
ble folly as soon as it interferes with their own 
interests. 



FREDERIC II. OF PRUSSIA. 37 



IX. 

Conduct in Minute Details. 

Would you learn how to please everybody at 
little expense ? Here is the secret of that. Per- 
mit all your subjects to write to you directly and 
speak to you personally ; and when you answer 
them, verbally or otherwise, you must use this 
language : "If what you communicate to me is 
true, I will do you justice ; but rely also upon 
the zeal with which I have always punished 
calumny and falsehood. I am your king 
(signed), Fredehic." 

If any one should come to complain, listen 
attentively to him, or with an air which may 
induce him to think you do so. Especially, let 
your answer be firm and laconic. Two letters 
written in that style, and a couple of answers of 
that sort, will spare you the annoyance of com- 
plaints ; and in your States, and still more in 
foreign courts, will give you an air of simplicity 



38 INSTRUCTIONS OF 

and minutice^ which is of the highest importance 
for monarchs. I know, my dear nephew, that 
to two such letters which the French took from 
me in 1757 I owe the reputation in which I 
have been held by that nation of being the most 
unaffected, most popular, and equitable of kings. 



FEEDEEIO II. OF PKUSSIA. 39 



On Dress. 

Had my grandfather lived twenty years 
longer, we might have been ruined, because 
his birthdays would have exhausted the whole 
of our kingdom's revenues. 

I never wear any thing else but my military 
uniform. The army believe that I do so on 
account of the great esteem I have for their 
profession, and I leave them under that impres- 
sion ; but, in truth, it is to give them the 
example. My father was perfectly right in 
adopting blue coats for gala days. When men 
are not rich, and want to dress well, they must 
adopt a full military costume. 



40 INSTKUCTIONS OF 



XI. 

Of Pleasures. 

Love is a god who spares no one : when we 
resist the darts which he shoots openly, he 
changes his tactics. Thus, take my word for it, 
do not be vain enough to try to resist him : he 
will always outwit you. 

Although I have no reason to complain of 
the tricks he has played upon me, I advise you, 
however, not to follow my example. It might, 
in course of time, produce evil results : all your 
governors and officers would live rather for their 
pleasures than for your glory, and very soon 
your army would act as your uncle Henry's 
regiment. 

I would have been fond of hunting, but the 
accounts of your grandfather's master of the 
hounds took that fancy from my head. My 
father told me many a time, that there were 
only two kings in Europe wealthy enough to 



FREDERIC II. OF PRUSSIA. 41 

hunt the stag, because it is unbecoming for a 
crowned head to go hunting like a mere noble- 
man. 

Nature has endowed me with rather moderate 
tastes and inclinations. I am fond of good 
cheer, — wine, coffee, and liquors ; and yet my 
subjects think I am the most temperate prince 
in the world. When I dine in public, my Ger- 
man cook caters for me. I drink beer, and two 
or three glasses of wine in the course of the 
meal. When I am in my private apartment, 
my French cook does all he can to satisfy me ; 
and 1 confess I am rather hard to please. Here 
I am near my bed, so that I am not uneasy 
about what I drink.* 

Notwithstanding what philosophers say, the 
senses deserve that we should devote two hours 
daily to their gratification ; and, really, what 
would our life be without the senses ? I enjoy 
pleasures, but I never could accustom myself to 
lose by them. 

Gaming is the mirror of the soul; which is 

* He means he does not care about the quality or quantity he drinks, 
.because, if he takes too mucli, his bed is nearby, and there he can sleep 
off the effects of his potations privately. — Translator's note. 



42 INSTRUCTIONS OF 

not exactly what I want, because I am not at 
all anxious that eveiybodj^ should see my secret 
thoughts and feeUngs. 

Consequently, my dear nephew, examine 
yourself well ; and, if you have no decided incli- 
nation for gambling, you can play. 

I like theatrical performances very much, and 
music above all ; but I think an opera troupe is 
ver}^ expensive, and the pleasure I derive from 
hearing a fine singer, or a talented violinist, 
would be far greater if it did not cost me quite 
so much money. As no one under-estimates 
that expense, I have done my best to prove that 
it is a necessary expenditure ; but the old gen- 
erals could never understand why a clown or a 
musician should receive the same pay as they 
have, 

.My dear nephew, I here make man known at 
my own expense ; and I assure you that he is 
always given up to his passions, that he glories 
in self-conceit, and that all his virtues rest only 
upon his interest and ambition. If you wish to 
pass for a wise man, learn how to artfully dis- 
guise your true character. 



FREDERIC II. OF PRUSSIA., 43 



XII. 

On Statesmanship and Diplomacy. 

Statesmanship can be reduced to three prin- 
ciples or maxims. The first is to maintain your 
power, and, according to circumstances, to in- 
crease ^nd extend it. The second is to form 
alliances only for your own advantage ; and the 
third is to command fear and respect even in 
the most disastrous times. 

First Pri7iciple, — On ascending the throne, I 
examined vcij father's treasury : his great econ- 
omy enabled me to conceive great projects. 
Some time afterwards, I reviewed my troops, and 
found them in a superb condition. After this 
review, I returned to my coffers again, and took 
out from them funds enough to double my 
army. 

As I had just doubled my power, it was not 
natural that I should confine myself to preserv- 
ing what I had ; so I had soon decided to avail 



44 INSTKUCTIONS OF 

myself of the first opportunity which might 
offer. Meanwhile, I kept my troops under arms 
and drilling constantly, and I did my best to 
draw the attention of all Europe to my move- 
ments. I renewed them every year, so as to 
appear more skilful, and, finally, I attained the 
end I had in view. 

I astonished the world : all the powers, all 
the nations, thought every thing was over with 
them if they did not know how to move their 
heads, arms, and legs a la Prussienne. 

All my officers and soldiers seemed to be 
worth twice as much when they saw they were 
imitated everywhere. When my troops had 
thus acquired a real advantage over all the 
others, I was solely occupied with examining 
what claims I might lay to various provinces. 

Four principal points presented themselves 
foremost to my notice, — Silesia, Polish Prussia, 
the Dutch Guelders, and Swedish Pomerania. 
I fixed upon Silesia to. begin with, because that 
country deserved my attention more than anj^ 
other, and because circumstances were more 
favorable to me there. 



FEEDERIC II. OF PRUSSIA. 45 

I left to time the care of executing my de- 
signs on the other countries. 

I will not demonstrate to you the validity of 
my claims to that province : I had them estab- 
lished by my orators. The Queen (of Austria) 
had her orators oppose and refute them, and we 
ended the dispute by a war. 

But, to return to the circumstances : the 
following is the way they presented them- 
selves : — 

Prance wished to dispossess the house of Aus- 
tria of the empire, — the very thing I wanted. 
France wanted to make the Elector of Bavaria 
emperor : I was delighted at it, because that 
could be done only at the Queen's expense. 

Finally, the French conceived the noble pro- 
ject of going to the gates of Vienna ; that was 
what I was waiting for, in order to possess my- 
self of Silesia.* 

Then, my dear nephew, have plenty of money, 
give your troops an air of superiority, wait for 
favorable circumstances, and you will be sure, 

* By the battle of Molwitz, April 20, 1741, he obtamed possession of 
three-fourths of Silesia. — Translator's note. 



46 INSTRUCTIONS OE - 

not only of preserving your kingdom, but of 
enlarging it. 

There are unskilful statesmen who pretend 
that a State which has reached a certain point 
must no longer think of aggrandizing itself, 
because the system of equihbrium has almost 
fixed boundaries for each power. 

I agree that the ambition of Louis XIV. came 
near costing France very dear, and I know how 
much anxiety my own ambition has given me : 
but I also' remember, that, in her greatest mis- 
fortunes, France gave a crown and kept her 
conquered provinces ; and you have just seen 
that I lost nothing in the terrible disaster which 
threatened me. 

So, every thing depends upon circumstances 
and upon the courage of the conqueror. 

Besides, you cannot know, my dear nephew, 
how important it is for a king and for a State 
government to depart from ordinary practices. 

It will be only by extraordinary proceedings 
that you can overawe others and acquire fame. 

Equilibrium is a word which has subjugated 
the whole world, because people thought it 



FEEDERIC II. OF PEUSSIA. 47 

afforded constant possession ; but, in reality it is 
nothing but a mere word. 

Europe is a family where there are too many 
bad brothers and relatives. I say furthermore, 
my dear nephew, that it is by despising this 
system that vast projects can be formed. 

See the English ! They have the mastery of 
the sea : that proud element no longer dares to 
bear vessels without their permission. 

The result of all I have just said is that we 
must always try, and be well persuaded that 
every thing suits us ; only we must take care 
not to display our pretensions with vanity. Be 
especially particular to have constantly at your 
court two or three eloquent men, and leave the 
care of your justification to them. 

Second Principle. — To form alliances for one's 
own advantage. That is a State maxim. No 
power is authorized to neglect it : thence follows 
this consequence, that we must break alliances 
when they are prejudicial to us. 

In my first war against the queen, I aban- 
doned the French at Prague, because by that 
bargain I gained Silesia (1742). 



48 INSTRUCTIONS OF 

Even if I had accompanied them as far as 
Paris, they never would have given me as 
much. 

A few years after, I united with them again, 
because I was anxious to attempt the conquest 
of Bohemia, and I wanted to make myself sure 
of success. I neglected the French nation in 
order to ally with the one which offered me the 
best chances of final success. 

When Prussia will have become more power- 
ful, my dear nephew, she can assume an air of 
constancy and good faith, which, at most, is fit 
only for the greatest powers and for petty 
sovereigns. 

I told you, my dear nephew, that the word 
policy signifies, almost roguery^ or rascality ; and 
that is true. However, you will find people, 
very sincere on the subject, who have adopted 
certain systems of probity. So, you can risk 
every thing with your embassadors. I have had 
some who served me devotedly, and who, in order 
to discover a mystery, would have searched even 
in the pocket of a king. 

Try especially to win those who have the gift 



PKEDERIC II. OF PEUSSIA. 49 

of expressing themselves in ambiguous terms 
and susceptible of a double meaning. 

It will not even be improper for you to have 
political locksmiths and physicians : they will 
sometimes be of great service to you.* 

I know by experience all the advantages that 
can be expected from the services which such 
persons may render. 

Third Principle, — To make yourself feared 
and respected by your neighbors is the height 
of great statesmanship. You can reach your 
end by two different means : the first is to dis- 
pose of a real force, the second to know well 
how to use the force which you have. 

We are not in the first case : that is why I 
have neglected nothing to be in the second case. 

There are some powers who imagine that an 
embassy should always make a great deal of 
show. However, the Duke de Richelieu, f at 

* That is, " locksmiths" to pick locks, or to open doors; and '' phy- 
sicians" to dispose of troublesome people who might be in the way. — 
Translator's note. 

t RiCHEiiiEU (Louis F. A. Duplessis, Duke dej, also known under the 
name of Marshal de Richelieu, was born March 13, 1696, died Aug. 8, 
1788. He was the great nephew of the famous Cardinal de Richelieu, the 
founder of the French Academy. — Note of the Translator, 



50 INSTRUCTIONS OF 

Vienna, did nothing but give a poor opinion of 
the French, because the Austrians thought that 
the whole nation was as affected as its represen- 
tative. For my part, I maintain that more true 
regard is paid to the noble and elevated language 
in which an embassador expresses the opinions of 
his sovereign, than to the display of a few equi- 
pages. It is for this reason, that I no longer 
wish to have embassadors, but merely envoys. 
Besides, it is too difficult to find a suitable per- 
son to fill the first position, because it requires a 
man of noble birth, very wealthy, and who is 
thoroughly versed in statesmanship, while the 
last qualification is sufficient for an envoy or a 
minister plenipotentiary. By adopting this sys- 
tem, you will save enormous sums of money 
every year, and, nevertheless, your affairs will 
be transacted all the same. 

However, there are cases, my dear nephew, in 
which embassies must be on a scale of great 
magnificence ; as, for instance, when one is about 
to give up diplomatic relations with a court, or 
to make a political or a matrimonial alliance. 
But embassies should always be regarded as ex- 



FREDEBIC II. OF PRUSSIA. 51 

traordinary. In order to inspire your neighbors 
with awe, let your actions be accompanied with 
as much splendor as possible, and, above all, let 
no one write any thing in your kingdom except 
to extol your doings. 

Never ask any thing weakly, but appear rather 
to demand. If some one is disrespectful towards 
you, reserve your vengeance for a time when you 
can obtain full satisfaction, and, especially, do 
not fear that your glory will be diminished by 
it ; so much the worse for those of your subjects 
who may have to suffer by it. 

But here is the true point : all your neighbors 
must be quite persuaded that you are afraid of 
nothing, and that nothing can astonish you. 
Try especially to have them believe that you are 
a dangerous monarch, who knows no other prin- 
ciple than that which leads to glory. And con- 
trive also to have them well convinced^ that you 
would rather lose two kingdoms, than not to 
occupy a prominent place in history. 

As those sentiments belong only to rare intel- 
lects, they strike and astonish most of men ; and 
it is an idea, which, in the world, constitutes a 
great monarch. 



52 INSTRUCTIONS OF FREDERIC II. 

When a foreigner comes to your court, treat 
him with extreme urbanity and hospitality ; and 
try, particularly, to have him always with you : 
that is the surest means of concealing the 
defects of your government. If he is a military 
man, make your body-guard manoeuvre in his 
presence, and command the regiment yourself. 
If he happens to be an author who has composed 
a work, let him see it on your table. If he is a 
merchant, listen kindly to all that he says, 
endeavor to gain his confidence, and to induce 
him to remain in your dominions. 



v^ 



ORIGIN 

j OF THE 

BISMARCK POLik; 



THE HOHENZOLLBRN DOCTEINE AND MAHMS 

DESCRIBED AND DEFINED 

BY THE MO;- r EMINENT MONARCH OF THE PRUSSIAN DYNASTY, 

FREDERIC THE GREAT: 

HIS OPINig^q-S ON RELIGION, JUSTICE, MORALS, POLITICS, 

DIPLOMACY, STATESMANSHIP, THE GERMAN 

PEOPLE, &c., &c. 



WRITTEN BY HIMSELF EXPRESSLY FOR THE USE OF 
HIS SUCCESSOR TO THE THRONE. 



Carefully Translated from an Authentic Copy of the Original MS. 
By M. C. L. 



BOSTON: 

CROSBY & DAMRELL, 100 WASHINGTON STREET. 

1870. 



Retail Price, 50 Cents. 



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OCT. 68 






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